At last Monday’s Ham Festival Committee meeting, it was announced that there will be no parade at this year’s Ham Festival, mostly due to a concern for the potential financial cost of a liability lawsuit against the city and the festival committee.

Cadiz City Clerk Lisa Rogers told Ham Festival Committee members during the meeting about the decision made by Cadiz Mayor Lyn Bailey, who said he decided to take action due to the experiences of other cities around the country.

Rogers said while there haven’t been any accidents during Ham Festival parades, there have been several incidents in years past.

Instead of the parade, Sunday Ham Festival activities will include more gospel music and a closing event that has been dubbed the “Hamtastic Giveaway” at 3 p.m., according to Rogers. Items featured in the giveway will include a bicycle, country ham and $500 in cash.

Rogers also said that entertainment will include a program called “Science Rocks with Flumpa,” which is described at www.flumpa.com as a stage show with “a perfect blend of science, music, fitness and fun.